Artists showcase work at free Python Festival

The Python Festival, at the town centre’s newest art space — The Gallery at St George’s House, St George’s Road — featured items including sculptures, paintings, illustrations and photography.

A launch evening was held, during which a winning piece of artwork was chosen — Misplaced by Angela Fox, a map made of found objects and using different techniques such as machine sewing on to acetate and transfer printing.

Second place went to Steve Valentine, for his ceramics work called Striding Edge, on which he created detail and texture on clay surfaces using naturally found tools.

He said: “It is the sometimes tumultuous environment and rolling landscapes surrounding my home and garden which inspire me.”

The free creative arts event took place at four Python Galleries spanning the North of England, including Bolton, to offer new creative opportunities for both artists and residents.

There were more than 40 Bolton artists involved in the event, which also included talks, creative workshops and poetry evenings.

Festival organiser Python Properties is a commercial property business, which merges art-space with the workplace, and recently won a National Arts and Business Award.

The firm also has two galleries in Middlesbrough and one in Warrington.

Each gallery is situated on the ground floor of an office building, introducing visitors to a range of creative activities while allowing artists to showcase their work. The festival was held from July 20 to August 3.

Location

Size:

We were looking around for buildings we could lease and this is was one of the central offices which has been refitted. We could choose the interior layout that we wanted and any optional extras and we decided that Bank Quay House was the building that exactly suited our needs. The money per square footage is very competitive; the owners Martin & Peter are very approachable and very, very good at listening